Located in the heart of Southeast Asia and is known as the City of Angels.The country of 76 provinces provides a unique blend of rich diversified cultures and traditions, renowned hospitality, tropical climate as well as buzzing commercialism that fascinates and brings pleasure to visitors.

Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning City of Angels)

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop humidity).

Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime.

The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.

Citizens of Canadian, United States of America, Australia and most European countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, return ticket and onward travel arrangement has to be presented upon arrival in Thailand. (*information subject to change)

Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended

There are many European, Asian and North American restaurants. Thai food is generally hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants will tone down the food.

Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.

The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed ometers, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometres.

Good buys include Thai Silks and cottons, batiks, silver, pottery, precious stones, dolls, masks, lacquer ware, pewter ware, bamboo artifacts, bronze ware. Tailored made clothes are of very good value and can be made in a matter of days.